Gimbal Ring Replacement

Yes I would recommend changing the bellows at this time, mostly for the fact you have to take them off the bellhousing side to get the gimbal ring off.

Then from there its 3 easily accessible hose clamps.

That hardest part of the bellows job is getting them back on the bellhousing side, and its really not that hard. You just have to have a bit of patience and some tough kunckles.

Your manual will have specific locations that they want the hose clamps in so the extra slack doesn't cut into the other bellows.

I'd go ahead and do it:
-It will be much cheaper
-You have a full winter ahead of you
-You will learn alot more about your transom and sterndrive

-Chris


If you want to drive a few hours north, i'd gladly let you use my special tools.
 
caruso1006 said:
Thanks! I will read the manual to see how comfortable I feel...do you also recommend changing the bellows while I am in there? If so, is this complicated?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Yes! Please re-read my post, back on page one, near the top. Change the bellows; you will understand why once you a)read the manual or b) have the gimbal housing off.

I would feel like crap if I relegated this job to a pro, after considering doing it myself. No one has told you it's hard to do...except for the one about pulling the engine. But, that's just me. I think you'll get plenty of help here, and online, and in your service manual(s), if you start.

FWIW, in addition to the Mercruiser manual, I'd get another; like Seloc or Clymer. Each had different explanations and photos which helped clear up any confusion before beginning. Of course, once you begin, all the prior confusion is cleared up once you can see for yourself what the manual was talking about.

Do it man,

Tom
 
Gunn said:
Yes! Please re-read my post, back on page one, near the top. Change the bellows; you will understand why once you a)read the manual or b) have the gimbal housing off.

I would feel like crap if I relegated this job to a pro, after considering doing it myself. No one has told you it's hard to do...except for the one about pulling the engine. But, that's just me. I think you'll get plenty of help here, and online, and in your service manual(s), if you start.

FWIW, in addition to the Mercruiser manual, I'd get another; like Seloc or Clymer. Each had different explanations and photos which helped clear up any confusion before beginning. Of course, once you begin, all the prior confusion is cleared up once you can see for yourself what the manual was talking about.

Do it man,

Tom
Click to expand...


Sorry Tom, I did see your post about the bellows...I was just looking for more assurance :thumbsup:. The only issues I would have are the tools...that could be costly!

Thanks for the confidence boost!

Corey
 
Take pictures, and keep posting them as you go. I am going to attempt the same thing. I have a good bit of free play in my steering,( especially at slow speeds). There is also free play when you catch the drive and lift up on it, so I will keep reading this thread and looking and learning Good Luck Nicky
 
I know this is an OLD thread, but I was reading it while crying (almost for real!).

My new-to-me boat is at my mechanic getting recommisioned, serviced (outdrive oil and impeller), detailed, waxed (didn't have the gumption to try it myself for the first time this year), Mag annodes, and underwater lights installed.

A big enough project on my wallet.

I was in the boat the other day getting it ready to tow to my mechanic and noticed a good deal of play in the steering. When he took the outdrive off, he noticed something bad. Not only was the through-hull oil connection for the drive oil resevoir broken off and a screw was screwed intot he hole to block the resevoir and take it out of use, but the gimbal ring is cracked from top to bottom at the top of the ring on the front and the back of the swivel pin.

What a HUGE unexpected cost I am not prepared for.

I'm hoping that the previous owner did not know about this and wasn't hiding anything. He was open to the survey and seemed up front for the most part, but you never know.

Lessoned learned. I did the survey, but not the mechanical. Next time, I will have the drive pulled for the survey as well.

:smt013
 
May be a bit late chimming in, but if you are going to do the gimbal ring/swivel pin repair I highly recommend the option that are found on the JR Marine site (it was noted early in this thread). Had mine done early summer last year - saved about $4,000, becasue I didn't have to pull the engine, and my mechanic does NOT recomend the Mercry approach of drilling and tapping the housing. He agreed to the JR Marine options (a first for them) and the end result was he would suggest to others.
Just did the spring haul out - my boat is in the water 350 days a year - and inspection shows no issues,:smt038 and only water in the bilge is from leaky canvas.
List of changes included a new stainless swivel pin, and a re-inforced U bolt, and yes I did the bellows and all the other little things like trim senders, etc. If you are into it for the gimbal ring the other stuff is minor and therefore almost painless on the pocketbook.
 
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Thanks for the info - I had my mechanic to the repair a couple of months ago.
 
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